School walk distance
How long is the school run on foot, how much activity does it give your child, and is it over the distance where free transport may apply?
Your details
1.2 miles at 2.5 mph
29 min
each way, about 58 active minutes on a school day
- Walking each school day58 min (there and back)
- Each week (5 days)4 h 48 min
- Share of the 60 minute daily aim96%
- Statutory walking distance, under 82 miles
- Further than that?no
The UK Chief Medical Officers suggest children average at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day, and a brisk school walk is an easy way to bank some of it. Little legs often manage about 2 mph; scooting or cycling part of the way counts too.
If your child gets breathless, wheezy or tired much more than their friends on the walk, mention it to your GP or school nurse.
The working
1.2 miles at 2.5 mph, there and back
Each way takes 29 minutes, so walking there and back is 58 minutes a school day, 96% of the 60 minute daily aim, and 4 h 48 min over 5 days. It is under the 2 mile statutory walking distance for a child under 8.
Statutory walking distances
From GOV.UK
| Child's age | Distance |
|---|---|
| Under 8 | over 2 miles |
| 8 to 16 | over 3 miles |
If the nearest suitable school is further than this by the shortest safe walking route, the council must provide free transport. Different rules apply for children with special educational needs or disabilities and for low income families.
Making it easier
Small wins
- Park and stride: drive part way and walk the last 10 minutes
- Walk with another family and take turns
- Scoot or cycle: it counts as activity too
- Leave 5 minutes earlier so nobody has to rush
Read with care
What this cannot tell you
- Judge route safetyOnly you, and your council if you apply for transport, can judge how safe a route is.
- Decide transportEligibility depends on your council and your nearest suitable school.
- Know your childSome children walk slower, and that is fine.
Questions
Common questions
How far can a child walk to school?
There is no set limit, but councils must provide free transport if the nearest suitable school is over 2 miles away for under 8s, or 3 miles for 8 to 16 year olds.
How fast do children walk?
Younger children often manage about 2 mph; older children and adults walk at around 3 mph.
Does the school walk count towards 60 minutes?
Yes, if it gets them moving briskly. The guideline is an average across the week, so it all adds up.
What if we live too far to walk?
Try walking the last part of the trip, or add a walk or play at the weekend.
Sources
- GOV.UK: free school transport (statutory walking distances of 2 miles under 8 and 3 miles from 8)
- UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines (children 60 minutes a day; older adults 150 minutes, strength, balance and flexibility on 2 days)
- NHS: walking for health
Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.
Help for children and teens
Your health visitor, school nurse or GP can help with sleep, eating or activity worries. For urgent advice call NHS 111, and call 999 in an emergency.
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